March 21, 2014

Bottoms Up KC, MO

The first Friday of every month, the Old West Bottoms warehouse district in KC is a treasure trove of antique shops. It started out with just a couple, and over time has grown into a bustling district with more than you can even get to in one day. In nice weather, it's almost like a street fair, with sidewalks and empty lots full of flea mkt goods, and food trucks parked everywhere.

Gwen McClure is one of the reasons this whole area is such a big success. Her shop is Bottoms Up and is floor upon floor of high quality antiques.

I always enjoy her own spot there in the mall. She and her sister haul back cargo loads full of finds from France.

Of course, I'm drawn to the ephemera to use in my work.

When I was visiting with her, she offered to sponsor a giveaway for my Birdsong peeps who are coming in June.

She is going to give us a drawing prize of a $50 gift certificate good for shopping anywhere in the shop.

I'd probably be tempted to spend it all on these $3 bags of lace, myself. I can't wait to see what the winner picks out, I hope she brings it with her to Birdsong to show us her purchase.

I've set the date for our gathering so that anyone who wants to can shop in the West Bottoms on Friday before our weekend classes, so I'll be holding the drawing ahead of time and the winner can pick up her prize there.

THANKS, GWEN!!!!!

Sponsors who give us little prizes for the gift bags or something for the drawing will be added to the side bar of my blog until the next Birdsong. Plus, I'll show off your kind gift on my blog.

And you will make the Birdsong peeps very happy! If you want to be a sponsor, please email me at:

karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

There are so many shops in the district, that I haven't even seen them all. My friend, Lori, and I spent most of the day and saw about half.

Not all are open only on the First Friday, some are available every weekend.

(notice all the floral hats? I had a lucky hat day, and came home with SEVEN wonderfully, flowery ones!)

And Lesa Daily had a temp spot set up at Bottoms Up for Easter. She will be there first Friday of April too. Then back again for Halloween. I treated myself to one of her birdies, and chose one with pink polka dots. I loved the bunnies too, but I am very, very fond of her special birds. They have so much personality!

One thing I appreciate about the shopping is that if you need a piece of furniture, you can find almost anything, and often redone and ready to go. Much of it is painted, and in trendy tones. You also can get many crafty items that are well done and in good taste, done with vintage materials. There are great uses of salvaged goods, like this centerpiece too.

Plus, the antiques of course.

Prices run the gamut from one store, or booth to another, but I've usually filled a bag or two (and I am cheap). And a couple times, even a truck. Springtime there is a perfect time to find white wrought iron garden pieces.

Comments

Oh, I am sooo glad I'm going to be able to visit that wonderful place during my Birdsong trip! I can already tell I'm in BIG trouble! But in a good way, of course! ;) How very generous of Gwen to offer this gift certificate!!!

I have Birdsong 2015 on my Bucket List! Every time you showcase a sponsor, I ask myself, "Why didn't I sign up?" What a fabulous time everyone is going to have and the crafts and memories that will be created are priceless.